The Crystal Method: Legion of Boom
Review by Rob Levy

Label: V2

It has been over three years since we last heard from Las Vegas’ The Crystal Method. Since their last album, Tweekend, they have toured extensively, DJ-ed often and worked on soundtracks and video games. In fact you could argue that since the end of the last decade no American techno artist was as overexposed as the Crystal Method.

Now it is 2004 and a lot has changed. The duo has a home on a new label (V2 Records), a "new" sound and an apparent reinvigoration of their musical stylings. Their third album, Legion Of Boom, is supposed to mark their comeback.

Anyone who loves what the Crystal Method do, hard-edged techno influenced dance music, will enjoy this album. Despite the new wrappings and new hype, there is nothing innovative here. It's the same old pounding beats and clicks, but this time the collaborations take on a harder, more metallic rap-oriented flavor.

For this go around, the lads roped in some heavy talent. They recruited Rahzel of the Roots, Milla Jovovich, John Garcia of Kyuss and ex-Limp Bizkit guitarist Wes Borland. Despite all of this, the whole thing is derivative and flat.

It's so tacky to say that a band sounds "so 90s", but the Crystal Method do. In fact they have given us almost the exact same lifeless record they did last time. This is a shame because there is genuine talent that could be harvested and put to good use. Their debut album had a texture and a feel to it that really changed electronic music. Now, sadly, the magic is gone.

It can be summed up best this way, if you like extreme sports or video games, this is the record for you. If you want loud, thumpy dance music to move around to or drive to then this is sheer heaven for you. If you want a frivolous souffle of sound to just have on in the background, then this also is ideal for you.

This is a well-crafted pop record with some bright moments. The lead single, "Born To Slow," is a moving, pounding, beatfest. "The American Way" is an indictment wrapped in percussion and rhythm and nice MC work by Rahzel. "I Know It's You" isn't too bad, Milla Jovovich is coy and smooth with her vocals. Sadly, contributions from Jon Brion and DJ Swamp don't do much to save the record. Unfortunately though, everything, for the most part, sounds the same. There is no pace, no flow. It is too slick, too pre-packaged and there isn't much texture or inventiveness. This is definitely a record for a niche audience.

I understand that Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland are trying to fuse the current rage of rap-metal with electronica. I understand that this is pop music for club kids and speed freaks. Overall, there are some moments of interest here, but generally, Legion Of Boom just isn't really that good.